Monday, April 20, 2009

Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-sabi is the Japanese philosophy of appreciating the imperfect, the primitive, the incomplete.
It's a concept I've been embracing more and more in these uncertain times ...


There's artistry in keeping things simple.


Most important, though wabi-sabi is much more than a design aesthetic. It's a lifestyle.


It reminds one to take the time to find beauty in the ordinary: to slow down and be content in a simple home. Are you embracing the wabi-sabi in your life?




24 comments:

  1. I try to observe a few minutes each day. Thank you for the reminder to stay true to ourselves.

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  2. In some ways, this plays into the post I published yesterday. Simple, imperfect pieces of furniture, from the past, we've owned for years. Sidetracked by trends and fads, we got away from the true us, for a few years...we're happy to be going back to what we love best.

    The "updates" in our powder room "makeover" and other changes here at home and our getaway place, are our way of going back to the true "us"....embracing a simpler, less cluttered life. Being true to ourselves in our homes and in other ways.

    Wonderful post!

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  3. I love the swing picture. Did you take it? If so can I paint it? Kathy

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  4. * I couldn't agree with you MORE, Vicky! Thanks for the WONDERFUL "food for thought", this glorious Monday morning!
    * Love n' hugs, Linda *

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  5. Leave it to you....I was going to call my blog "Perfect Imperfection...Wabi Sabi" but I thought no one would get it!! I love this post, I think you and I were separated at birth!! Have a great day my friend!!

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  6. What a great reminder to love an appreciate what we have and to stop and smell the roses. Hugs, Marty

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  7. I have learned something to day. Thank you!
    I have always been attracted to primitive things and appreciated imperfection. Now I know a word for it. Wabi-Sabi. I going to remember that.

    Have a marvelous Monday, Marsha

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  8. Just beautiful! And the sentiment is so..true!
    Hugs, Terrie

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  9. As long as we are speaking of life style and design aesthics, not primitive Medical procedures...grin, I cudn't agree with you more Vicky. The application of Wabi-Sabi is such a beautiful concept.

    HAPPY MONDAY to you. -Brenda-

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  10. I've loved the imperfect and incomplete for a long time. My hubby calls it used junk. I call it well loved and always wonder about its history. Lately I also appreciate the "inexpensive" HAHA! During this economy I think we all need to step back and appreciate the simple things in life, take a deep breath and love what we HAVE not what we DON'T.
    Denise

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  11. Hi Vicky...

    Girl...I made it!!! I made it over to a post that you just publishes...whew...out of breath though! I ran all the way...hehe!!!

    Vicky...I do love this post about Wabi-Sabi!!! Keeping life simple and finding true peace and joy there...YES!!! You know, a few years back my life was sooo busy! When given the chance to change things...I took it...and have said that it's probably the most important decision that I've ever made! I can truthfully say that ALL my time is MINE! I really am blessed to be able to live such a lifestyle! Every now and then, I feel things try to pull me back in...to the busyness. I have learned to say "NO" very well! Hehe!!!

    What fabulous photos...they just exude joy and peace in simplicity!!!

    Thanks my friend, for sharing such a beautiful post!!!
    Love ya,
    Chari

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  12. I have never heard that word before but I do love what it stands for...beautiful post girl...hope all is well on your side of the mountain and that you have a beautiful week!

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  13. Hi Vicky,
    This was a great post! I think Wabi-Sabi will be my new mantra. I love Japanese style and it's gentle, graceful nature. When I lived in Portland, Oregon the Japanese Garden was one of my favorite spots. Thank you for sharing this, I enjoyed it. ~Cathy~

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  14. Vicky, what a beautiful post!! And, thanks to you, I have a new word to use. Wabi-Sabi. Love the images, the message and the confirmation that's it's OK to let things just be. Best, -susan

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  15. Aaaah! Enjoy the simple life!...soooo realxing!...Christine

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  16. * Vicky, I had written down the definition of Wabi-Sabi, & just came across it when I sat back down at my desk... my very first thought was "wouldn't it be BEAUTIFUL if all people could APPRECIATE the "WABI-SABI" in O-T-H-E-R-S? Thought I'd share that with you, as it REEEEALLY made ME stop n' think! So, THANKS!!! Love, Linda *

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  17. I'm back...to say thanks for such nice words. You always make my day! And you left it on a post with blue walls. So courageous. (smile). -susan

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  18. these things lookd so loved. staying simple is something I strive to remind myself & my family of over & over. (you need these reminders- thanks!!)
    xoxo

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  19. Very nice. I enjoyed reading this post.

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  20. Hi vicky, i love this thread. I ecspecially love what Wabi Sabi stands for. The pictures you shared, wow, just looking at them gives you such a sense of inner peace. Simple is where it is at for me. I had to learn to step back and appreciate and realize that my home is fantastic just as it is, even though it may be a magazine worthy home. After reading this post, it has made me feel like im even more on top of the world. thank you vicky
    hugs g/f
    janet

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  21. Lovely...
    I do try to sit and enjoy what God has provided each day....
    Blessings...

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  22. Well, now that I've learned how to link I have sent you the Honest Scrap Award!!! Look out girl I'm armed and not so dangerous. ~Athella

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  23. Yes, I do and I'm glad to know it has a name.
    A pretty awesome name too !

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